Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia Department 345 - RULES OF GEORGIA BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPY
Here is a comprehensive overview of the Rules of the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy (Department 345), current as of June 2025:
📘 Administrative History
The Georgia Board of Massage Therapy's rules have undergone several amendments since their inception. Notable updates include:
Chapter 345-8: Requirements – Board Recognized Massage Therapy Education Program was adopted on January 10, 2007, effective January 30, 2007 .
Chapter 345-3: Applications was adopted on February 6, 2007, effective February 26, 2007 .
Chapter 345-4: License Renewal, Continuing Education, Inactive Status, and Reinstatement of License was adopted on July 5, 2007, effective July 25, 2007 .
Chapter 345-10: Discipline was adopted on April 28, 2010, effective May 18, 2010 .
🧾 Chapter Overview
Chapter 345-1: Definitions
This chapter provides definitions for terms used throughout the rules, ensuring clarity and consistency in interpretation.
Chapter 345-2: Organization
Board Composition: The Georgia Board of Massage Therapy consists of five members appointed by the Governor with Senate approval. Four members are professionals in the field, and one is a consumer member .
Officers: The Board elects a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and other necessary officers annually.
Meetings: The Board meets at least once a year, with additional meetings as needed. All meetings are open to the public, with provisions for executive sessions as authorized by law.
Chapter 345-3: Applications
This chapter outlines the application process for licensure, including:
Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Background Check: A fingerprint-based background check is required.
Education: Applicants must have completed a Board-recognized massage therapy education program.
Examination: Proof of passing a national examination, such as the MBLEx, NCBTMB, or equivalent, is necessary .
Chapter 345-4: License Renewal, Continuing Education, Inactive Status, and Reinstatement of License
Renewal: Licenses must be renewed biennially.
Continuing Education: A minimum of 24 hours of continuing education is required every two years, with at least 12 hours being hands-on supervised instruction.
Inactive Status: Provisions for placing a license in inactive status are detailed.
Reinstatement: Procedures for reinstating a lapsed or revoked license are specified .
Chapter 345-5: Licensure by Endorsement
This chapter allows for licensure based on credentials from other states, provided the applicant meets Georgia's standards and requirements.
Chapter 345-6: Professional and Unprofessional Conduct
Professional Conduct: Licensed massage therapists must adhere to recognized professional standards, represent qualifications truthfully, and maintain client confidentiality.
Unprofessional Conduct: Includes practicing without a valid license, failing to comply with continuing education requirements, and engaging in unethical behavior .
Chapter 345-7: Fees
Details the fees associated with licensure, renewal, examinations, and other services provided by the Board.
Chapter 345-8: Requirements – Board Recognized Massage Therapy Education Program
Curriculum: Programs must offer a minimum of 500 hours of supervised instruction, covering subjects like anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, ethics, and business practices.
Faculty: Instructors must have at least 2 years or 2,000 hours of experience in their field.
Recognition: Programs must maintain certain standards to retain Board recognition .
Chapter 345-9: Exemptions from Licensure
Specifies situations where individuals may be exempt from licensure, such as certain healthcare professionals performing massage within their scope of practice.
Chapter 345-10: Discipline
Unlicensed Practice: Individuals practicing without a valid Georgia license may face cease and desist orders, fines, or other sanctions.
Advertising: Licensed massage therapists must include their license number in advertisements.
Fines: Guidelines for fines related to unlicensed practice are provided .
✅ Summary Table
| Chapter | Title | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| 345-1 | Definitions | Clarifies terminology used in the rules. |
| 345-2 | Organization | Details Board composition, officer roles, and meeting protocols. |
| 345-3 | Applications | Outlines licensure application requirements and procedures. |
| 345-4 | License Renewal, Continuing Education, Inactive Status, and Reinstatement | Specifies renewal processes, continuing education mandates, and reinstatement procedures. |
| 345-5 | Licensure by Endorsement | Allows licensure based on credentials from other states. |
| 345-6 | Professional and Unprofessional Conduct | Defines acceptable and unacceptable behaviors for licensed massage therapists. |
| 345-7 | Fees | Lists fees associated with licensure and Board services. |
| 345-8 | Requirements – Board Recognized Massage Therapy Education Program | Sets standards for massage therapy education programs seeking Board recognition. |
| 345-9 | Exemptions from Licensure | Identifies situations where licensure is not required. |
| 345-10 | Discipline | Details disciplinary actions for violations of rules and regulations. |
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